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The scholarship has been boosted from $7500 to $9000 over three years. Last year's winner, Samantha Allen, said the scholarship had been helpful.

"Not only has receiving the award been an amazing contribution towards my study, but the process of competing for it was an excellent learning opportunity, which I have no doubt will help me later in life," she said.

"A&P societies are doing an amazing job, providing a vital connection between town and country, and with my — hopefully soon to be — degree, I want to help grow that connection." Samantha is studying a for a Bachelor of Vet Science degree at Massey University this year.

Scholarship criteria and application forms are available from the Whangarei Agricultural & Pastoral Society at 127 Bank St, Whangarei, phone (09) 438-3109, or www.whangareiap.org.nz/education/our-scholarship. Applications close on September 21 from students who live within the Northland Regional Council area.